East Van’s Little Free Cinema
About
Tiny free theatre, showing short films, local creators, and great film scenes out of context.
Visit
- See what’s playing
- Come and find us at the fourth window from the alley, 1601 Venables Street, Vancouver BC
- We are always open. Except when we aren’t, usually due to a spontaneous desire to reno the theatre, if that happens we will try to update the hours on google maps.
FAQ
Is this theatre based on the Pantages?
We designed the East Van VODVILLE to echo the design of the original Vancouver Pantages. Built in 1907 at Main and Hastings as a vaudeville theatre, it was converted in 1920 to a movie theatre. It operated under a variety of names over the years, surviving through economic depressions, bombings, children sneaking in the back door, and the Hayes Code. In 1994 the theatre was closed, and despite concerted efforts by heritage advocates, the Pantages Theatre was demolished in 2011 to make way for a housing project.
Can’t you spell Vaudeville?
Sure, but photos from the bombing in 1933, suggest that it was spelled VODVIL, presumably to save on lettering.
Given that we are serving up Video on Demand, the opportunity was too good to pass up.
How is it legal to exhibit clips from copyrighted films?
Canada, fair dealing.
We only exhibit small portions of the films as necessary for our purposes of education and criticism.
Please address any cease and desist letters to: The Fourth Window from the Alley, 1601 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2H1
Please be advised that any such letter will be posted online for community feedback.
How did you build such a thing?
We’re glad you asked!
We have a build log up here.
And the code for the Raspberry Pi controlled video player here.
Got any more links to Pantages History?
Who made this?
The East Van Vodville is a project of Janet Mader and David Bynoe
Contact
Come and find us at the fourth window from the alley, 1601 Venables Street, Vancouver BC
Send us an Email
Would you like your own theatre?
Yes we take commissions, Email Us Here
Or if you prefer DIY, we have a build log up here.
And the code for the Raspberry Pi controlled video player here.
Sign Up for our mailing list
The East Van Vodville is free for everyone, there is no need for payment, but if you would like to make a donation to support our work, you can do so on Ko-Fi